Sylvia Jeffries

Sylvia Stayner Jeffries

July 25, 1944 – August 23, 2025

Sylvia Stayner Jeffries, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on August 23, 2025.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 25, 1944, Sylvia was the only child of Zelma and Hyde Stayner. She was raised in Holladay, where she developed a love of learning and art. She graduated from Olympus High School and later from the University of Utah where she was a member of the slalom ski team. Sylvia earned both a bachelor's and master's degree in education from the University of Utah, and later a master's degree in special education from Westminster College.

Sylvia was an amazing teacher. She dedicated 30 years to the Jordan School District, where she influenced countless young lives through her work in special education and as a 2nd, 3rd, and 6th grade teacher. Her patience, creativity, and love of learning left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Sylvia married Richard Packer and was blessed with two children, Mark and Jackie. She later married Larry Jeffries, with whom they combined their families, creating a happy life in Sandy Utah.

A woman of many talents, Sylvia was an exceptional cook and baker, and her home was always filled with the warmth of good food. She always had something ready to share with those that visited. She loved quilting, needlepoint, and all things creative. Like her father, she had a natural gift for art and spent much of her youth in his studio, learning from and emulating him. Her love of flowers and beauty in the world was reflected in everything she did. Sylvia and Larry enjoyed being out in their yard gardening and tending to their flowers. They often would be seen driving around the neighborhood passing out fresh vegetables.

Sylvia was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Draper Temple and treasured her mission with Larry at the Family History Center in Riverton. Together with her mother, she was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, where she learned enduring values of loyalty, strength, and devotion. Proud of her heritage, she was deeply patriotic and carried with honor her father's service in World War II.

Her life was an example of hard work, resilience, faith, and trust in the Lord through all of life's trials and triumphs. She loved her family, and in return, she was deeply loved by them and by all who knew her.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Ray Jeffries, and her parents, Hyde and Zelma Stayner, and her Aunts and Uncles Phyllis Erickson (Harry) Clyde Coon (June) She is survived by her children Mark Packer (Kris) and Jackie Lindsey (David); Paul Jeffries (Brook), Greg Jeffries (Monica), Jonathan Jeffries, and Stephen Jeffries (Elizabeth); 11 grandchildren; and 3 ½ great-grandchildren.

Her family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Spring Gardens Memory Care, the team at ACG Medical Group, and her many friends in the Glacial Park Ward who lovingly watched over both Sylvia and Larry during their final years.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary in South Jordan. A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will take place at Valley View Memorial Park (4335 W 4100 S, West Valley City) at 12:30 p.m.